Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 2/27/2007

Question
Dear Dr. Gotthelf,

Thank you so much for the time you are taking to read this question.  I will try to be as thorough in what has been the history without droning.

We have a four year old German German Shepherd, (as opposed to American German Shepherd).  Up to date on immunizations always, frequent checks, mostly indoor except when being outside with us.  We live in NW Ohio, the allergy capital of the US <smile>.   He is extremely well cared for.  We also have one long-haired and one DSH cat,  both indoors only, also UTD on immunizations.  We have never, ever had a flea on any of them, including the dog.   No children.  

Max's ear problems started off with the fact they didn't want to come up when my husband thought they should.  I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but I have to add in case it means something.  He bought ear inserts when Max was about four months, and he ended up getting cellulitis from them.  Ears healed well.  For two years, everything was hunky-dory.  Then Max started getting some sore of allergice reaction on his belly and "private parts", and then his ears, especially the left one, became red and itching.  No odor, no drainage.  He would cry when scratching.  Lots of black in the inner ear.  Back and forth to the vet.  Shots of Depo-Medrol which help for a time.  Dermalone cream.  Keflex (which heals up the belly rash nicely--characterized by brown patches).  Last year, Max was diagnosed with discoid lupus, affecting his nose only.  Augmentin clears that up, and it isn't bad.  We keep him out of direct sunlight as much as possible.  

Back to the ear.  He was neutered and they did an intense irrigation at that time.  Didn't help.  We use ear wash.  No help.  Seems as if the only thing that helps is the Depo, and I know that can only be given ever so often.  I would rather he have an itchy, bothersome ear than steroid problems.  He often walks with his head cocked to the side, and now is getting scabs on his backside.  That same ear will flop somewhat when he is running (stays erect but flops if that makes sense).  He has had biopsies, some say is fungal/yeast.  He has had drops (I forget the name) for that which did nothing.

His allergies are really becoming a problem for him, and we are at a loss.  We have spent a fortune on this dog (probably at least $10,000 in four years in vet bills), and he is worth every cent.   But it is frustrating for us, too, that nothing seems to be helping.   We love our veterinary practice, and our vet.  They are totally the premier in town, they do things in NW Ohio no one else does, they have a great reputation, and they really, really love animals and do great things.  So, I know the care is up to snuff.  I just wonder, since you are an ear person, if there is anything else you can think of that can be done, or what else all this could be?  

I'm sorry I went on so.  Our animals are very important to us, and we really want to make sure we are doing everything we can for them.  

Thank you so much for your time.

Andrea

Answer
DepoMedrol is probably the worst thing that can be done.  I wouold advise you to fing a vet dermatologist.  In Detroit there is Dr. Paul Bloom.  In Columbus there is Dr. Lynette Cole at OSU.  They would need to allergy test and check for middle ear disease.  That is probably what is causing the problems in the skin.  If you hyposensitize him to whatever he is allergic to, that will really diminish the allergic response.  It takes 6-9 months for that to work, though.